Downhole sensor tool for nuclear measurements

ABSTRACT

A downhole measurement apparatus includes a tool body supporting a logging tool. The logging tool includes a detector outsert coupled into and exposed through an exterior pocket of the tool body to position the outer surface of the outsert adjacent or in close proximity to the outer diameter of the tool body. A stabilizer or off-center stabilizer may be provided to further deflect the outsert portion of the logging tool toward an earth formation to increase detector proximity to the formation. The axial distance between the detector and a nuclear source can be calibrated using configurations of the nuclear source holder and the outsert. Retention mechanisms for the source holder and the outsert further enhance proximity and calibration.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the U.S. National Stage under 35 U.S.C. §371 ofInternational Patent Application No. PCT/US2010/035672 filed May 20,2010, entitled “Downhole Sensor Tool For Nuclear Measurements”, whichclaims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61/180,081filed May 20, 2009, entitled “Downhole Sensor Tool For NuclearMeasurements”.

BACKGROUND

Successful drilling, completion and production of an earthen wellborerequires that information be gathered about the downhole formation fromwhich hydrocarbons are produced. Measurement systems are lowered into adrilled wellbore to determine wellbore parameters and operatingconditions. A portion of the measurement system includes a sensorpackage for detecting the wellbore parameters and conditions, such asformation properties, tool and borehole direction, drilling fluidproperties, dynamic drilling conditions, and others. The sensor packagemay be lowered on a tool body after the drill string is tripped out ofthe borehole, such as with a typical wireline operation. Alternatively,the sensors may be housed in a drill collar and adapted for takingmeasurements while drilling, as in certain applications known asmeasurement-while-drilling (MWD) or logging-while-drilling (LWD). Inaddition to the sensor portion, a sensor tool may also include aprocessor and associated storage medium for retaining the sensedinformation. With respect to a MWD/LWD tool, a telemetry system is oftenused to transmit the sensed information uphole. The telemetry system mayinclude a mud pulser, an acoustic telemetry option, or anelectromagnetic transmission system.

The sensors and associated electronic and mechanical components arepackaged within the tool body. For example, the sensors and detectorsmay be hardwired within the tool body and accessible via removablehatches. In another arrangement, the sensors are mounted upon a chassisand retained within an outer housing or sleeve. Such arrangements placecertain tool components between the interior sensing and loggingdevices, and the target formation or fluids exterior of the tool.Sensitive logging devices, such as nuclear measurement devices usinggamma rays, can be affected by the intervening tool components.Furthermore, the intervening hatches, housings, sleeves, drill collarmaterial, stabilizer sleeves and the like place the nuclear sources andsensors further from the formation.

In addition, the varying demands of the hydrocarbon field requireexpensive measurement tools to be useable across different tool bodiesand drill collars, including tool bodies and drill collars havingdifferent sizes. Therefore, it becomes necessary to deploy a nuclearmeasurement tool that addresses these shortcomings as well as others inthe field.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a detailed description of exemplary embodiments of the disclosure,reference will now be made to the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1 shows a schematic side view of an exemplary drill string andbottom hole assembly including a MWD/LWD drill collar assembly;

FIG. 2 is a schematic view, partly in cross-section, of a sensor toolconveyed by wireline;

FIG. 3 is a schematic view, partly in cross-section, of a sensor tooldisposed on a wired drill pipe connected to a telemetry network;

FIG. 4 is a cross-section view of a section of wired drill pipe;

FIG. 5 shows a perspective view, in partial phantom, of an exemplarynuclear measurement tool in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

FIG. 6 shows a top view of the tool of FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 shows a cross-section view of the tool of FIG. 6 taken at thesection 4-4;

FIG. 8 shows a cross-section view of the tool of FIG. 6 taken at thesection 5-5;

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the nuclear source holder of the toolof FIGS. 5, 6 and 8;

FIG. 10 shows another perspective view of the source holder of FIG. 9;

FIG. 11 shows another perspective view, in cross-section, of the sourceholder of FIG. 9;

FIGS. 12-14 are perspective views of an alternative embodiment of anuclear measurement tool including an integrated source holder portionin accordance with principles disclosed herein;

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the nuclear measurement tool of FIGS.12-14 including an alternative off-center stabilizer;

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of finger retention mechanisms for theoutserts of the previously shown nuclear measurement tools;

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of a retained sensorpackage having a source emitting window and a detector window;

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of a detector window of an embodimentof a detector window assembly in accordance with principles disclosedherein;

FIG. 19 shows a perspective view of a ring of the detector windowassembly;

FIG. 20 shows a perspective view of the assembled detector windowincluding the components of FIGS. 18 and 19;

FIG. 21 shows a cross-section view of the assembled detector window ofFIG. 20;

FIG. 22 shows a cross-section of the tool of FIG. 6 taken at the section15-15;

FIG. 23 shows a perspective view of an outsert having a wedge groove;

FIG. 24 shows a side view of the outsert of FIG. 23;

FIG. 25 shows a perspective view of a retention wedge;

FIG. 26 shows a perspective view of a mating retention wedge;

FIG. 27 shows an assembly of the retention wedges of FIGS. 25 and 26disposed in the wedge groove of the outsert of FIG. 24;

FIG. 28 shows a cross-section view of the assembly of FIG. 27 taken atthe section 21-21;

FIG. 29 shows a perspective view of another exemplary nuclearmeasurement tool, including embodiments of a density outsert and aneutron outsert, in accordance with principles disclosed herein;

FIG. 30 shows a longitudinal cross-section of a portion of the tool ofFIG. 29;

FIG. 31 shows a top view of a portion of the tool of FIG. 29;

FIG. 32 shows a perspective view of the interconnect junction of thetool of FIG. 29;

FIG. 33 shows a longitudinal cross-section of the junction of FIG. 32;and

FIG. 34 shows a radial cross-section of the junction of FIG. 32.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the drawings and description that follow, like parts are typicallymarked throughout the specification and drawings with the same referencenumerals. The drawing figures are not necessarily to scale. Certainfeatures of the disclosure may be shown exaggerated in scale or insomewhat schematic form and some details of conventional elements maynot be shown in the interest of clarity and conciseness. The presentdisclosure is susceptible to embodiments of different forms. Specificembodiments are described in detail and are shown in the drawings, withthe understanding that the present disclosure is to be considered anexemplification of the principles of the disclosure, and is not intendedto limit the disclosure to that illustrated and described herein. It isto be fully recognized that the different teachings of the embodimentsdiscussed below may be employed separately or in any suitablecombination to produce desired results.

In the following discussion and in the claims, the terms “including” and“comprising” are used in an open-ended fashion, and thus should beinterpreted to mean “including, but not limited to . . . ”. Unlessotherwise specified, any use of any form of the terms “connect”,“engage”, “couple”, “attach”, or any other term describing aninteraction between elements is not meant to limit the interaction todirect interaction between the elements and may also include indirectinteraction between the elements described. Reference to up or down willbe made for purposes of description with “up”, “upper”, “upwardly” or“upstream” meaning toward the surface of the well and with “down”,“lower”, “downwardly” or “downstream” meaning toward the terminal end ofthe well, regardless of the well bore orientation. In addition, in thediscussion and claims that follow, it may be sometimes stated thatcertain components or elements are in fluid communication. By this it ismeant that the components are constructed and interrelated such that afluid could be communicated between them, as via a passageway, tube, orconduit. Also, the designation “MWD” or “LWD” are used to mean allgeneric measurement while drilling or logging while drilling apparatusand systems. The various characteristics mentioned above, as well asother features and characteristics described in more detail below, willbe readily apparent to those skilled in the art upon reading thefollowing detailed description of the embodiments, and by referring tothe accompanying drawings.

Referring initially to FIG. 1, a drilling apparatus including a downholesensor or LWD tool is shown. A downhole sensor or LWD tool 10 is shownenlarged and schematically as a part of a bottom hole assembly (BHA) 6including a sub 13 and a drill bit 7 at its distal most end. The bottomhole assembly 6 is lowered from a drilling platform 2, such as a ship orother conventional land platform, via a drill string 5. The drill string5 is disposed through a riser 3 and a well head 4. Conventional drillingequipment (not shown) is supported within a derrick 1 and rotates thedrill string 5 and the drill bit 7, causing the bit 7 to form a borehole8 through formation material 9. The drill bit 7 may also be rotatedusing other means, such as a downhole motor. The borehole 8 penetratessubterranean zones or reservoirs, such as reservoir 11, that arebelieved to contain hydrocarbons in a commercially viable quantity. Anannulus 15 is formed thereby. In addition to the tool 10, the bottomhole assembly 6 contains various conventional apparatus and systems,such as a down hole drill motor, a rotary steerable tool, a mud pulsetelemetry system, MWD or LWD sensors and systems, and others known inthe art.

The tool 10, as well as other parts of the BHA 6, includes a drillcollar assembly that may carry additional MWD/LWD system components.Additional MWD/LWD system components include, for example, a processorand storage medium, a power supply such as batteries or a turbine forgenerating electrical power, a telemetry device, hydraulic operatingcircuits, sensors, and other components. The present disclosure is notlimited to the additional MWD/LWD components listed specifically hereinas it is known for these systems to include other components, such othercomponents being contemplated by the present disclosure.

The drill collar and tool assembly 10 includes embodiments of the sensortool described herein. It should be noted, however, that the drillcollar and MWD/LWD assembly is only one conveyance that may be used tolower the sensor package embodiments into the borehole 8, and is usedfor clarity of description. Alternatively, the sensor package may becoupled to a longitudinal body conveyed downhole using other means. Thepresent invention is not limited to the specific conveyance used fordescription purposes, but instead may be used with other conveyancessuch as coiled tubing, wired coiled tubing, wired drillpipe, wirelineand others.

In some embodiments, and with reference to FIG. 2, a sensor tool 60 isdisposed on a tool string 50 conveyed into the borehole 8 by a cable 52and a winch 54. The sensor tool includes a body 62, a sampling assembly64, a backup assembly 66, analysis modules 68, 84 including electronicdevices, a flowline 82, a battery module 65, and an electronics module67. The sensor tool 60 is coupled to a surface unit 70 that may includean electrical control system 72 having an electronic storage medium 74and a control processor 76. In other embodiments, the tool 60 mayalternatively or additionally include an electrical control system, anelectronic storage medium and a processor.

Referring to FIG. 3, a telemetry network 100 is shown. A sensor tool 120is coupled to a drill string 101 formed by a series of wired drill pipes103 connected for communication across junctions using communicationelements. Referring to FIG. 4, sections of wired drill pipe 103 areshown including conductors 150 that traverse the entire length of thepipe sections. Communication elements 155 allow the transfer of powerand/or data between the pipe sections 103. A data/power signal may betransmitted along a pipe section of the wired drill string, such as thetool 120, from one end through the conductor(s) 150 to the other endacross the communication elements 155.

It will be appreciated that work string 101 can be other forms ofconveyance, such as coiled tubing or wired coiled tubing. The downholedrilling and control operations are interfaced with the rest of theworld in the network 100 via a top-hole repeater unit 102, a kelly 107or top-hole drive (or, a transition sub with two communicationelements), a computer 106 in the rig control center, and an uplink 108.The computer 106 can act as a server, controlling access to network 100transmissions, sending control and command signals downhole, andreceiving and processing information sent up-hole. The software runningthe server can control access to the network 100 and can communicatethis information via dedicated land lines, satellite uplink 108),Internet, or other means to a central server accessible from anywhere inthe world. The sensor tool 120 is shown linked into the network 100 justabove the drill bit 110 for communication along its conductor path andalong the wired drill string 101.

Portions of wired drill pipes 103 may be subs or other connectionsmeans. In some embodiments, the conductor(s) 150 comprise coaxialcables, copper wires, optical fiber cables, triaxial cables, and twistedpairs of wire. The ends of the wired subs 103 are configured tocommunicate within a downhole network as described herein. Thecommunication elements 155 may comprise inductive couplers, directelectrical contacts, optical couplers, and combinations thereof. Theconductor 150 may be disposed through a hole formed in the walls of theouter tubular members of the pipes 103.

The tool 120 may include a plurality of transducers 115 disposed on thetool 120 to relay downhole information to the operator at surface or toa remote site. The transducers 115 may include any conventionalsource/sensor (e.g., pressure, temperature, gravity, etc.) to providethe operator with formation and/or borehole parameters, as well asdiagnostics or position indication relating to the tool. The telemetrynetwork 100 may combine multiple signal conveyance formats (e.g., mudpulse, fiber-optics, acoustic, EM hops, etc.). It will also beappreciated that software/firmware may be configured into the tool 120and/or the network 100 (e.g., at surface, downhole, in combination,and/or remotely via wireless links tied to the network).

Referring now to FIGS. 5-8, the sensor tool body 10 may include anexemplary embodiment of a nuclear measurement tool 100. For purposes ofdescription with reference to the figures, a nuclear measurement tool isdescribed. Exemplary nuclear measurement logs include neutron porosityand gamma-gamma density, in which the corresponding tools employ anuclear source and various spaced detectors in a sensor package andprovide the density of fluids in the wellbore and formation as well asother fundamental characterizing properties of the formation. Furtherexemplary tools may not require a nuclear source, such as a neutrongenerator wherein a charged particle accelerator produces high-energyneutrons. In most cases for the aforementioned nuclear tools, the toolexecutes and obtains a close proximity measurement relative to thesurrounding formation and formation fluids. In the context of theembodiments described herein, other sensor and measurement tools canalso be employed to obtain various downhole formation property data.Further examples of other close proximity measurement tools includeresistivity, acoustic, and imaging.

Referring to FIGS. 5 and 6, the tool 100 includes a drill collar or body102 having a pocket 104 formed therein. In some embodiments, the drillcollar is a mono-bladed drill collar. The pocket 104 receives a sensorpackage 120 comprising a sensor outsert 140 and a nuclear source holder130 coupled thereto. A stabilizer sleeve 106 includes a retaining end108 that overlaps a spacer 110 and a shoulder 136 of the source holder130 to capture and retain the spacer 110 and source holder 130. Portionsof the collar 102 and the stabilizer sleeve 108 are shown in phantom toreveal the details of the sensor package 120 as it is connected into thepocket 104. The outsert 140 includes a detector window 142, and thesource holder includes a source emitting window 132. In someembodiments, the source emitting window comprises Titanium or otherlow-z materials. The source holder 130 includes various retentionfeatures comprising tabs 134 received within pocket receptacles 111,112, bores 166 for receiving retention screws, and the previouslymentioned shoulder 136 captured by the overlying spacer 110 andstabilizer retaining end 108.

The term “outsert” will refer to a pressure housing, sonde, or othercontainment vehicle provided in an outer pocket of the drill collar ortool body. Such a pressure housing is accessible from an exterior of thetool, and places the radially outermost dimension of the pressurehousing while in the pocket coincident with or substantially adjacentthe outer diameter of the drill collar. An outsert may be contrastedwith an “insert” wherein a housing receives a sensor case and a cover orsleeve is disposed over the housing to retain the sensor cases. Thesesensor cases are termed “inserts” because they are internal to the tool(within the cover or sleeve) and, if sealed, are dependent on the coveror sleeve or other external pressure case for sealing from theenvironment exterior of the tool. An insert is not accessible from anexterior of the tool. Additional details regarding a tool with sealedsensor outserts are found in U.S. provisional patent application No.61/180,071 filed 20 May 2009 and entitled Downhole Sensor Tool with aSealed Sensor Outsert, and the corresponding international applicationnumber PCT/US2010/035663 filed 20 May 2010 and entitled Downhole SensorTool with a Sealed Sensor Outsert.

Referring now to FIG. 7, a radial section view of the tool 100 shows theoutsert 140 as mounted in the pocket 104 of the drill collar 102. Thepocket 104 and the outsert 140 are offset from the longitudinal axis ofthe tool 100 to allow for the primary drilling fluid flow bore 103, orother flow bore as required by the various alternative tool conveyancesas described herein. For example, a wired drillpipe or wired coiledtubing may include wire or other conduits 105 located in various radialpositions in the collar 102 and extending longitudinally therethrough.

Referring next to FIG. 8, a longitudinal section view of the tool 100reveals additional details of the sensor package 120 and its retentionin the pocket 104. The stabilizer sleeve 106 is slidable such that theend 108 slides over and captures the spacer 110 and the shoulder 136.The source holder 130 includes a nuclear source 160 installed below thesource emitting window 132. With additional reference to FIGS. 9-11, thewindow 132 covers a cavity or pocket 162 that communicates with apassageway 164. The nuclear source 160 is threaded into or otherwisesecured in the passageway 164. A boss 138 on the source holder receivesan open end 144 of a pressure housing 141 of the outsert 140. In someembodiments, the end 144 of the outsert 140 is shrink fitted onto theboss 138. The pressure housing 141 includes an inner shield 148retaining a first, near detector 150 relative to the nuclear source 160and a second, far detector 152. Though multiple detectors are shown anddescribed, some embodiments include a single detector. Also includedwithin the inner shield 148 are electronics and other sensor components154, 156.

The detector window 142 provides a protected port through the pressurehousing 141, and a collimation path 146 in the inner shield 148 providescommunication between the detector 150 and the window 142 such thatnuclear emissions sent from the nuclear source 160 and into thesurrounding environment and formation can ultimately be received anddetected by the detectors 150, 152. In certain applications, such asMWD/LWD, the detector window 142 allows nuclear emissions to be receivedby the detectors for measurement purposes while drilling. Because theradial dimension of the window 142 is coincident with or adjacent theouter diameter of the tool, the window 142, and thus the port to thedetectors, is placed in close proximity to the formation. Further,because the window 142 is part of an exposed outsert unimpeded by anyother part of the tool, the detectability of the nuclear emissions ismaximized. The combination of these features, along with the radiallystabilizing effect of the stabilizer 106, provides a measurement inclose proximity to the formation that is consistent and calibrated. Theaxial distance between the nuclear source or generator and the detectorsis calibrated in the tool even across different tool sizes and differentborehole sizes. Similarly, the radial distance between the detectorwindow and the formation is predictable and calibrated across varioustool and borehole sizes.

Referring now to FIGS. 12 and 13, an alternative embodiment is shown asnuclear measurement tool 300. A drill collar 302 includes a pocket 304supporting a sensor outsert 340 consistent with outsert embodimentsdescribed herein. The outsert 340 may include an end portion 345 engagedwith an axial spacer block 370 secured by hydrostatic screws insertedthough holes 366. Instead of a separate nuclear source holder coupledinto the drill collar, the drill collar 302 includes a portion 305adapted to receive and secure the nuclear source. The source portion 305includes an internal source cavity and passage (not shown) covered by asource emitting window 332 secured by screws 335. The source portion 305also includes a source passage 364 to receive and secure the nuclearsource or other nuclear member. The source passage 364 includes a coveror cap 365. The integrated source holder portion 305 further assists inproviding a consistent, calibrated, and close proximity between thenuclear source and detector assembly and the surrounding formation. Inthe axial direction, the integrated source holder portion 305 alsoprovides consistency and built-in calibration between the nuclear sourceassembly and the detectors or logging sensors. Radial stabilization isfurther enhanced by a stabilizer 306, as shown in FIG. 14, withstabilizer blades 307.

In a further embodiment, the tool 300 may also be outfitted with astabilizer 406 as shown in FIG. 15. The stabilizer 406 includes blades407, 409, 411 of varying and increasing radial heights from the basesurface 405. Thus, the stabilizer 406 is an off-center or eccentricstabilizer. In some embodiments, the blade 411 with the largest radialheight may be positioned opposite the direction of the source emittingwindow 332 such that the distance between the formation and thedetectors or logging sensors is maintained and calibrated.

Referring to FIG. 16, the outsert 340 may be retained in the pocket 304by one or more retention members or fingers 355 coupled to the collar302 by bolts 357. In some embodiments, the fingers 355 are coupled intorecesses adjacent the pocket 304. In some embodiments, the fingers 355do not extend across the circumferential distance of the outer surfaceof the outsert 340 that is exposed through the pocket 304, nor do theyextend the axial length of the outsert 340 or outsert pocket 304.

In certain embodiments, the outserts 140, 340 are density outserts, suchas density side wall readout outserts (Density-SWRO), or neutronoutserts, or acoustic outserts as previously noted. In some embodiments,the source holder 130 comprises tungsten or other high-z materials. Thesource holder is attached to the pressure housing 141 comprisingTitanium Beta-C, or other low-z material, with the sensors andelectronics housed therein. In some embodiments, the nuclear source 160retained by the tungsten source holder comprises a Cesium-137 loggingsource. As previously described, the removable source holder 130 isattached to the pressure housing 141, such as by a shrink fit, to form asensor package that is portable between different drill collars whilemaintaining a calibrated axial distance between the source 160 and thedetectors 150, 152. Such a sensor package is applicable with all typesof outserts consistent with the teachings herein. The calibrated sensorpackage 120 can be removed from one drill collar and re-inserted intoanother drill collar, of the same size or different size. Similarly, theintegrated source holder 305 of the drill collar 302 provides a fixedposition of the nuclear source in the drill collar that can becalibrated to the detectors or logging sensors in the outsert 340. Thus,in this embodiment, it is the outsert that is removable andinterchangeable across different drill collars. Axial calibration of thenuclear source and detectors is easily achieved between the fixedposition of the nuclear source and the known position of the outsertdetectors, and radial proximity to the formation is maximized with theradially outward positions of the source and outsert detectors andradial positioning via the stabilizers 106, 306, 406. Consequently,consistent and reliable logging measurements can be achieved with thetools 100, 300 because of fixed and calibrated sensor components.

In some embodiments, the pressure housing 141 includes an outer surfaceprotective coating of hardfacing material for close interaction with theformation and other wellbore dynamics. In some embodiments, thehardfacing material is positioned at discrete segments of the housingouter surface to prevent wear and surface cracking on the pressurehousing due to contact with the formation. In some embodiments, thehardfacing will require a buffer layer to improve bonding andweldability of the hardfacing. The hardfacing may be applied using laseror TiG welding techniques. In certain embodiments, the hardfacing justdescribed is applied to the outer surfaces of the drill collars 102,302.

Now with reference to FIGS. 17-21, in certain embodiments the detectorwindow 142 comprises a low density material that permits capture of lowenergy gamma rays by the sensors housed in the outsert 140. For example,the window assembly 142 is an assembly of a window 143 and a ring 135.With reference to FIGS. 18-21, the window 143 comprises a membercomprising a low-z material. The low-z window is attached to a roughmachined Titanium Beta-C ring. The low-z window is furnace brazed into arecess 149 of the Titanium Beta-C ring 135 to form the assembly 142. Insome embodiments, the brazing material comprises Ti—Cu—Ni. In someembodiments, the brazing is performed in an argon environment or vacuum.After brazing, the Titanium Beta-C ring 135 is finish machined. Theassembly 142 is then electron beam welded to the pressure housing asshown in FIG. 17. The low density window withstands hydrostatic pressurein the wellbore with the aid of the collimation shielding 148 (FIG. 8)inside the pressure housing. In some embodiments, the collimation shieldcomprises tungsten. Thus, in some embodiments, the low density windowdoes not require use of epoxy bonding or an o-ring for sealing.

The sensor package 120 includes various embodiments of retentionmechanisms that can be used in any combination for desired results. Theinterlocking tabs 134 (FIGS. 9-11) machined directly into the sourceholder 130 mate with the receptacles 111, 112 (FIGS. 5 and 6) machinedinto the drill collar 102 for retention purposes. Additionally, theshoulder 136 of the source holder 130 is trapped by the end 108 of thestabilizer sleeve 106. The stabilizer sleeve 106 also restrains axialmovement of the sensor package 120. Further, and with reference to FIG.22, the source holder 130 or spacer block 170, 370 includes the bores166 for receiving retention screws 167 that pass through the bores 166and into the drill collar 102. The retention screws 167 includedifferent sized o-ring grooves 169, 171 that create a pressuredifferential when the drill collar is subjected to downhole hydrostaticpressure, resulting in net force into the drill collar. The screws 167are also called hydrostatic locking screws,

The embodiments just described generally act at the source holder 130 toretain that end of the sensor package 120, while additional embodimentsmay act upon the outserts 140, 340 for retention. As previouslydescribed with respect to the integrated source holder portion 305, thefinger retention members 355 can be used to retain the outserts whilethe source holder portion 305 is fixed as part of the drill collar 302.In some embodiments, a bolted retention member or spacer block 170, 370is used as shown in FIGS. 12-15, 17, and 22.

Still further embodiments include securing mechanisms that eliminate theneed for screws or bolts. For example, double mating wedges may be usedin a confined space. Referring now to FIGS. 23-28, a wedge groove 180 ismachined into the pressure housing 141 of the outsert 140. Also, a wedgegroove 192 is machined into the outsert pocket 104 of the drill collar102. A first outsert wedge 182 having a thick portion 184 and a reducedportion 186 is heat shrunk or otherwise fitted onto the outsert groove180. The outsert 140 is then installed into the pocket 104, aligning theoutsert wedge 182 with the drill collar groove 192 such that they mate.Next, a first drill collar wedge 190 (FIG. 26) is laid on top of theinstalled outsert 140 in an open portion of the outsert groove 180, asbest seen in FIG. 28. The first drill collar wedge 190 a is then rotatedclockwise approximately 90 degrees, for example, to dispose it in theremaining space between the drill collar groove 192 and the outsertwedge 182 at the position shown in FIG. 28. In further embodiments, asecond drill collar wedge 190 b is installed in a similar manner, exceptthat the second wedge is rotated counterclockwise approximately 90degrees, for example, to place it in the position shown in FIG. 28.Because the mating and engaged wedges 182, 190 a, 190 b are in confinedspace, movement is limited to available tolerances. Furthermore, whenthe wedges are subjected to downhole hydrostatic pressure, the wedgesare locked in place by the action of hydrostatic pressure on the end ofthe outsert.

Referring now to FIG. 29, another embodiment of a nuclear measurementtool is shown as tool 200. Tool 200 includes a drill collar or tool body202 having pocket portions 204 a, 204 b, 204 c. The pocket 204 areceives and retains the sensor package 120 as previously described,wherein an arrow 121 represents extension of an end 145 of the outsert140 to the components of the source holder end of the sensor package 120as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 5-8, for example. Thesensor package may also include the outsert and integrated source holderportion shown in FIGS. 12 and 13. In some embodiments, the outsert 140is a Density-SWRO outsert including a sidewall readout port and plug147. In other embodiments, the outsert 140 is various other outsert andlogging sensors consistent with the teachings herein. Axially displacedfrom the sensor package 120 in the pocket 204 c is a second sensorpackage 220 including an outsert 240. In some embodiments, the outsert240 is a Pinger-Neutron or neutron porosity outsert. An end 245 of theoutsert 240 may include a transceiver assembly 242. The end 245 extendsaxially, as represented by an arrow 221, toward components of the sensorpackage 220 similar to those of the source holder end of the sensorpackage 120 as shown and described with reference to FIGS. 5-8. Thesensor package 220 includes a source holder coupled to a pressurehousing retaining inner electronics and sensors, like the sensor package120. The source holder retention mechanism described herein apply to thesensor package 220. Unlike the sensor package 120, embodiments of thepackage 220 include a source holder that is not made of a high-zmaterial. Also, the nuclear source, in some embodiments, includesneutron logging source disposed in the receptacle. Furthermore, unlikethe outsert 140, the outsert 240 does not require the low density windowfor passing through low energy gamma rays to the sensors. Also, thepressure housing of the outsert 240 may include a variety of nickelbased alloys, rather than Titanium Beta-C. Various combinations ofmaterials as described herein can be used for desired results.

Still referring to FIG. 29, disposed between the outsert sensor packages120, 200 is a bulkhead or interconnect junction 250. The junction 250serves as a manifold, providing electrical connections between and amongthe outserts 140, 240 and the drill collar 202. The junction 250 furtherserves as a retention mechanism in a radial manner for the outsert ends145, 245 and in an axial manner for the outserts 140, 240. Referring toFIGS. 30-34, the junction 250 connects between the outserts 140, 240 andprovide multiple passageways 252, 254, 256 for electrical conduits. Asshown in FIG. 32, the junction 250 includes bosses 260, 262 forreceiving and coupling to the ends of the outserts 140, 240. In someembodiments, the coupling is similar to that described for the boss 138of the source holder 130 and the end 144 of the outsert 140. Thejunction 250 also includes bosses 264, 265 for coupling to the drillcollar 202. The bosses include passageways for carrying electricalconnections and conduits, such as passageways 276, 277, 278, 279. Anupper access cavity 270 may be covered by a cover 274 secured by screwsthreaded into bores 272. The junction 250 may be secured to the tool 200by screws threaded into bores 258.

Certain embodiments described herein provide, for example, a downholesensor outsert package that can deploy a nuclear or other measure systemin close proximity to the formation, and maintain a substantiallyuniform distance to the formation between different drill collars anddrill collars of different sizes. Further, calibration of the nuclearsources and logging sensors can be attained via the assembly sensorpackage or the outserts adapted to correspond to the fixed position ofthe integrated source holder portion of the drill collar. Certainembodiments provide for capturing low-energy gamma rays and transferringcalibrations associated therewith between drill collars of the same ordifferent sizes.

The detectors described herein are packaged in a sealed pressure housingcalled an outsert. The sealed housing, or outsert, is connectable with atool body interface. In certain embodiments, the outsert is coupled witha source holder to provide a removable and portable sensor package fornuclear measurement systems which require a nuclear source and spacedapart detectors. The removability and sealed nature of the sensoroutsert package allow the outsert package to be a standard componentused across a plurality of tool sizes, even for nuclear measurements.Further, the outsert alone can be interchanged among drill collars andeasily acclimated and calibrated to the integrated source holder of thedrill collar portion 305. The low density window, sealed as describedherein, allows the sealed pressure outsert to be used for nuclearmeasurements while drilling. For example, the same gamma detectoroutsert may be used in a number of different tools of varying sizes.Further, the outsert hardware can be standardized for use with multiplemeasurements. For example, the detectors and electronics are unique fora gamma outsert relative to a Drilling Dynamics Sensor (DDS); however,the pressure housing, seals, connectors, connection interface, collarlocking mechanism and other hardware are the same for each type ofmeasurement. Also, the length of the outserts can be easily varied.

The above discussion is meant to be illustrative of the principles andvarious embodiments of the disclosure. Numerous variations andmodifications will become apparent to those skilled in the art once theabove disclosure is fully appreciated. It is intended that the followingclaims be interpreted to embrace all such variations and modifications.

What is claimed is:
 1. A downhole measurement apparatus comprising: alongitudinal body including a nuclear logging tool, the logging toolfurther comprising an outsert containing a detector, the outsertdisposed in an exterior pocket of the body and coupled therein; and astabilizer coupled to the body adjacent the nuclear logging tool todeflect the logging tool and the outsert toward an earth formation. 2.The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the outsert is a pressure housingsealing the detector from the exterior of the body.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 2 wherein the pressure-sealed outsert is removable from thepocket.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the logging tool furthercomprises a nuclear source axially spaced from the detector.
 5. Theapparatus of claim 4 wherein the axial space between the nuclear sourceand the detector is calibrated.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 the axialspace is calibrated via a source holder coupled to the outsert to form asensor package.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the axial space iscalibrated via a fixed position of the nuclear source in an integratedsource holder portion of the body.
 8. The apparatus of claim 6 whereinthe source holder includes interlocking tabs coupled to the body.
 9. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising a hydrostatic locking screwcoupling the outsert to the body.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising a spacer block coupled between the outsert and the bodypocket.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a fingerretention mechanism coupling the outsert in the pocket.
 12. Theapparatus of claim 1 further comprising an interlocking wedge mechanismcoupling the outsert in the pocket.
 13. The apparatus of claim 1 furthercomprising an interconnect junction coupling the outsert to a secondoutsert in the pocket.
 14. A downhole measurement apparatus comprising:a longitudinal drill collar body including a nuclear logging tool, thelogging tool further comprising: a nuclear source holder containing anuclear source; and an outsert containing a detector, the outsertcoupled in an exterior pocket of the drill collar body; wherein thenuclear source is axially spaced a calibrated distance from thedetector; and a stabilizer coupled to the body adjacent the nuclearlogging tool.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the nuclear sourceholder and the outsert are exposed to an exterior of the drill collarbody to dispose the nuclear source and the detector adjacent an outerdiameter of the drill collar body.
 16. The apparatus of claim 15 whereinthe stabilizer deflects the logging tool toward an earth formation toposition the nuclear source and the detector in close proximity to theearth formation.
 17. The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the nuclearsource holder is coupled to the outsert to form a sensor package. 18.The apparatus of claim 14 wherein the nuclear source holder is anintegrated portion of the drill collar body.
 19. A downhole measurementapparatus comprising: a longitudinal drill collar body having anexterior pocket and an outer diameter; an outsert coupled into andexposed through the exterior pocket to position the outer surface of theoutsert adjacent to the outer diameter of the drill collar body, theoutsert containing a logging sensor; a nuclear source holder disposed inthe drill collar body containing a nuclear source axially spaced acalibrated distance from the logging sensor; and a stabilizer coupled tothe body adjacent the nuclear logging tool to increase proximity of theouter surface of the outsert to an earth formation.
 20. The apparatus ofclaim 19 wherein the stabilizer is an off-center stabilizer including aradially greatest blade opposite the outsert on the drill collar body.21. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein the outsert is removable andinterchangeable between multiple drill collar bodies.
 22. The apparatusof claim 19 wherein the nuclear source holder is coupled to the outsertto form a sensor package.
 23. The apparatus of claim 19 wherein thenuclear source holder is an integrated portion of the drill collar body.24. The apparatus of claim 19 further comprising an outsert retentionmechanism including a hydrostatic locking screw, a spacer block, afinger retention mechanism, an interlocking wedge mechanism, aninterconnect junction, or a combination thereof.